The Karnataka Forest Department is preparing itself to deal with forest fires, other than its routine mapping of vulnerable areas of the state. The department on a social media platform has requested citizens to volunteer and come forward to help the department in preventing, detecting and extinguishing the fire in the forests and around.

Shiva Raj Singh APCCF (Communication and Information) and spokesperson said, generally, the department spreads the message seeking public support through pamphlets pasted in the villages. This year, the department posted this message on social media in an attempt to reach out to a large audience and create more awareness among masses. “With the forest fire season expected to begin from next month, we hope to repeat the message every week. Last year, a few videos were created that were telecast on TV news channels as well as cinema theatres. This would be repeated in January-February. The video is about the reason for forest fire- how to control the same, causes for forest destruction and so on,” he said.

The department has its team in all strategic and vulnerable places. There are villages near the forests. Generally, the department’s team comprises about 10-15 people or fewer. If the extent of fire is more, then it becomes very difficult for 10 or 15 people to control it and in that case public support is always needed. “For any programme we take up, unless we have public support, the chance of success is less. We want to involve the people in the fringes of the forest and depending on the forests in some way or the other. This will instil a sense of responsibility among the public,” said Singh.
The department expects volunteers to inform them in case of forest fire, and if they see a small fire, to immediately curtail it. “Although, the department gets the latitude and longitude from the Forest Survey of India, there are lot of things that may go unnoticed and the role of the locals becomes very important. If it is a joint venture of the government and public, then the chances of success are very high,” explained Singh.
The local officers will conduct a background check of the volunteers. Mysuru area is the most affected by forest fires.

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